Saudi suspect in terror plot appears in US court

AP reports:LUBBOCK, Texas — A college student from Saudi Arabia accused of buying chemicals online as part of a plan to blow up key U.S. targets, including the home of former President George W. Bush, appeared in federal court in Texas on Friday.

Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari was arrested Wednesday and charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.Rod Hobson, his attorney, declined to comment as he left the courtroom in Lubbock. In a statement, he said the "eyes of the world are on this case" and how Aldawsari is treated.

"This is not "Alice in Wonderland," where the Queen said 'First the punishment then the trial,'" Hobson's statement reads. "This is America, where everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence, due process, effective representation of counsel and a fair trial."

Judge Nancy Koenig asked the 20-year-old — handcuffed and with his feet shackled — if he understood the charges against him, and ordered him to remain in custody until a March 11 detention hearing.

Four armed U.S. Marshal's officers flanked Aldawsari as he addressed the judge.

Koenig said Aldawsari faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted.